Laser aimed small arms ammunition

ABSTRACT

A projectile cartridge device designed with internal sighting and aiming system, which incorporates and leverages electromagnetic radiation as the means for aiming the projectile.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field

This invention relates to aiming a firearm, specifically with liveammunition containing a battery and laser module that emits a visiblelight only when inserted in the chamber of said firearm.

2. Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appearsrelevant:

Pat. No. Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 3,633,285 B1 Jan. 11, 1972Sensney 3,782,832 B1 Jan. 01, 1974 Hacskaylo 3,813,795 B1 Jun. 04, 1974Marshall, et al. 3,972,286 B1 Aug. 03, 1976 Canon 4,281,993 B1 Aug. 04,1981 Shaw 4,481,561 B1 Nov. 06, 1984 Lanning 4,627,183 B1 Dec. 09, 1986Stuckman 4,678,437 B1 Jul. 07, 1987 Scott, et al. 4,879,814 B1 Nov. 14,1989 Wallace 5,031,349 B1 Jul. 16, 1991 Vogel 5,153,375 B1 Oct. 06, 1992Eguizabal 5,365,669 B1 Nov. 22, 1994 Rustick, et al. 5,446,535 B1 Aug.29, 1995 Williams 5,454,168 B1 Oct. 03, 1995 Langner 5,488,795 B1 Feb.06, 1996 Sweat 5,618,099 B1 Apr. 08, 1998 Brubacher 5,685,106 B1 Nov.11, 1997 Shoham 5,787,631 B1 Aug. 04, 1998 Kendall 5,909,951 B1 Jun. 08,1999 Johnsen, et al. 6,061,918 B1 May 16, 2000 Schnell 6,151,788 B1 Nov.28, 2000 Cox, Young 6,068,484 B1 May 30, 2000 O'Loughlin, et al.6,295,753 B1 Oct. 2, 2001 Thummel 6,389,730 B1 May 21, 2002 Millard6,397,509 B1 Jun. 4, 2002 Langner 6,421,947 B1 Jul. 23, 2002 Fuller6,513,251 B2 Feb. 4, 2003 Huang, et al. 6,572,375 B2 Jun. 3, 2003Shechter, et al. 6,579,098 B1 Jun. 17, 2003 Shechter 6,606,797 B2 Aug.19 2003 Gandy 6,631,580 Oct. 14, 2003 lafrate, et al. 6,742,299 Jun. 1,2004 Strand U.S. Patent Application Publications Publication No. KindCode Publ. Date Applicant 2001/0042335 A1 Nov. 22, 2001 Strand2002/0129536 A1 Sep. 19, 2002 lafrate, et al. US 2010/0011648 A1 Jan.21, 2010 Hopkins US 2010/0083861 A1 Apr. 08, 2010 Joys, et al.

Historically either iron or telescopic sights have been mounted onfirearms to assist in aiming. To use such sights, a firearm is broughtto just below the line of sight and the sights engaged by the shooter'seye. When the sights are lined up with the target, the bore of thefirearm should be aligned with the target as well. Discharging thefirearm while the sights are aligned will theoretically guide the shotto the point of aim.

However, several problems have plagued shooters through the years. Ironsights can be difficult to align in stressful situations. In low lightsituations iron sights may not even be visible. In stressful situations,it is common for shooters to ignore the sights of their firearm and,instead, visually focus on the threat presented by an aggressor. (“OnKilling”, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman) In such situations, even properlycalibrated sights are of little or no value. Even with extensivetraining, police officers statistically miss more than 50% of shotsfired at an average distance of less than seven feet. Telecopic sights,such as telescopes mounted on a firearm, are also prone to misalignment,are easily damaged, and are difficult to use in low light situations.

In the case of a shotgun, again, well-trained soldiers and policeofficers frequently miss more than half their shots. The averagedistance of most of these shots is less than ten yards. (“On Killing”,Lt. Col. Dave Grossman). A common assumption is that shotgun pelletswill spread to encompass whatever is within the shooter's vision. Thus,shooters may often point a shotgun toward the target rather than aim,possibly even firing from below their line of sight. Shot spreadsapproximately one inch per yard from the muzzle of the firearm. Thus, atarget perceived impossible to miss across the room at 21 feet mayeasily be missed by the seven-inch pattern.

Some laser devices are used to illuminate a target when shooting liveammunition. Such devices are attached to the exterior of a weapon.(Stockman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,183, Dec. 9, 1986) Laser lights have beenused for such applications since they offer an extremely straight lineof reference, culminating in a bright dot of light on the target. Theseare activated by the operator through various switches. Such devices addbulk and an additional level of complexity to the operation of theweapon. Extra weight and/or bulk are not commonly desirable. Also,complexity tends to increase the chance of equipment failure.

Such external laser devices are not often used by homeowners. It iscommon to use the same firearm for both hunting and home defense. Sincemany states prohibit the use of any type of firearm-mounted light forhunting, such a device possibly used for home defense would have to beremoved for hunting. This produces an inconvenience. The cost of suchdevices prohibits their use as well.

Prior art has placed a laser module in a cartridge-shaped cylinder as anaid in adjusting the external sights of a firearm. Said laser module isplaced in the chamber or bore of said firearm. (Shaw, U.S. Pat. No.4,281,993, Aug. 4, 1981 and others) When activated, the laser travelscoaxially down the bore and illuminates the target. Telescopic or ironsights are then aligned with the visible dot on the target. The lasermodule is removed from the firearm and replaced with live ammunition.When the round is fired, it should impact on or very near the point ofaim. These devices cannot, however, be used in a live fire situation.

One patent discovered during research (Hopkins, Pub. No.: US2010/0011648 A1) uses a laser module that is external to the chamber ofthe firearm. It is mounted in the stock of the firearm and allows alaser beam to traverse the mechanical action, the chamber then throughthe bore of the firearm. A special rim-fire cartridge with alongitudinal tube through the central axis provides passage for thevisible laser light. This, however, requires specially modified firearmsand ammunition.

Prior art has used a laser module in firearm training aids to increaseproficiency, reduce expense and to avoid the danger of using liverounds. (Powell et at. U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,032, Jan. 7, 1997) Suchdevices are mounted in such a way as to point parallel with the bore ofa firearm. They can be externally mounted or mounted in the chamber of afirearm. In these systems a light detector is placed on the target. Thedetector reacts to the frequency of light emitted by the laser module inor on the firearm when the trigger is pulled. When a “hit” is scored,the detector emits a noise, vibration, or other indicator. Such priorart is good for training, but is of no use in actual combat or selfdefense situations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment a sighting device for firearms housinga laser module, battery, and associated circuitry within a liveammunition cartridge.

Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows:simplicity in having no moving mechanisms to fail, simplicity ofconstruction reduces cost of the device enabling its purchase by mostfirearm owners, simplicity of operation and use, eliminates the need fortraining beyond normal firearms safety rules, a bright dot of lightappearing directly on the target eliminates the need for optical or ironsights, no modification of the firearm is necessary (The cartridge willfit in the chamber of any firearm designed to hold said cartridge), safeto fire in any modern firearm capable of firing modern ammunition, isconvenient, legal for its intended purpose, is single use and virtuallydisposable, and intended for live fire. Other advantages of one or moreaspects will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings andensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of a shotgun cartridge as one embodimentof this invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the individual components used to modify ashotgun cartridge.

FIG. 3 is several views of the insert used to modify a shotguncartridge, including cross section (FIG. 3A), oblique (FIG. 3B, bottom(FIG. 3C) and top (FIG. 3D) views.

FIG. 4 shows the cutaway side view of a modified shotgun cartridge inthe chamber of a firearm.

FIG. 5 shows the cutaway side view of a modified shotgun cartridge inthe magazine of a firearm.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are enlarged views of the insets of FIG. 4 showingpin contact with chamber walls.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are enlarged views of the insets of FIG. 5 showingpins do not contact magazine walls.

FIG. 8 shows this invention used in a metallic cartridge with a load ofshot

FIG. 9 shows this invention used in a metallic cartridge with a leadcore

Drawings - Reference Numerals 20 Overshot card 22 Shot 24 Insert 26 Hull28 Lens 30 Negative Pin 32 Laser Module 34 Spring 36 Battery 38 PositivePin 40 Wad 42 Powder 44 Primer 46 Chamber Wall 48 Firing Pin 50 MagazineWall 52 Brass Cartridge Case 54 Metallic Bullet Core

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1, 2, and 3—First Embodiment

FIG. 1, the present embodiment, shows laser aimed small arm ammunitionas used in a shotgun cartridge. At the mouth of said cartridge is anovershot card (20) that is held in place by a roll crimp in hull (26) ofthe cartridge. Said card is circular, sized to fit snugly inside hull(26), and has a circular hole through the middle to allow passage of avisible laser light. Said card is pressed against the face of an insert(24) to contain shot (22) within hull (26).

Insert (24), FIG. 3, could be injection molded of High-DensityPolyethylene that is firm enough to hold laser module (32) and battery(36), yet soft enough for pins (30) and (38) to be inserted and contactlaser module (32) and battery (36). The skirt of insert (24) holds lasermodule (32) parallel to the walls of hull (26) and so parallel to thechamber and bore of the firearm. Insert (24) holds battery (36) andlaser module (32) in such a relationship that they are in direct contactonly through spring (34). Said insert also holds the components of thecircuit electrically insulated from the metallic shot (22) preventing ashort circuit.

Shot (22) could be anything from small metallic “bird shot” to largecaliber “buck shot” depending on the intended use of the cartridge. Shot(22) is contained in a cylindrical space formed by the interior wall ofhull (26) and the exterior of insert (24). Shot could also be comprisedof a bag containing lightweight material designed as a non-lethalcartridge to stun an adversary.

Electrical contact between laser module (32) and chamber wall (46) andlater between chamber wall (46) and battery (36) is provided by pins(30) and (38). These pins are made of an electrically conductingmaterial. In the shot shell of the present embodiment said negative pin(30) would most easily be installed using a staple gun to push the pinthrough hull (26), shot (22) and insert (24) to contact the brassexterior of laser module (32). Positive pin (38) is pushed through hull(26) to the bottom of battery (36). In the present embodiment these pinswould not have to be insulated. Said pins have a breakaway notch cut inthe forward face approximately even with hull (26) of the cartridge tofacilitate breaking without excessive buildup of pressure in the chamberwhen the cartridge is fired.

Laser module (32) is an off the shelf item of various externaldimensions, light frequencies, power requirements and outputs. Someoutputs project shaped visible laser lights such as crosses, circles, orvarious sized dots. Some lasers output infrared light visible only withoptical equipment such as night vision devices. Laser modules areavailable pre-focused with lens (28) built in and the projected designpre-programmed. Laser module (32) fits into insert (24) from the bottom.Said laser (32) is prevented from slipping too far forward in insert(24) by a narrowing of the throat of said insert (24) as indicated bythe oblique view in FIG. 4.

Spring (34) is attached to the base of laser module (32) and contactsthe negative pole of battery (36). Said spring could be any electricalconducting device between the negative pole of battery (36) and lasermodule (34) circuitry, it may be insulated or not depending on thespecific application. In the present embodiment no insulation would beneeded. In the metallic cartridge illustrated (FIGS. 8 and 9) some formof insulation would be necessary to prevent shorting with the materialwithin the projectile.

Battery (36) is an off the shelf item, best served by a long shelf lifebutton battery.

The balance of the items drawn and listed are industry standard.Magazine wall (50) and firing pin (48) are standard firearm parts.Cartridge parts include cases (52), metal cores (54), primer (44),powder (42), and wads (40).

FIG. 2—Exploded view of components used to modify a shot shell in thepresent embodiment.

Overshot card (20) is shown obliquely to demonstrate the hole to allowpassage of the laser light. Insert (24) has been shown cut in halflengthwise. All of the components, save pins (30) and (38), fitsequentially into the hull over an appropriate powder charge. Pins (30)and (38) are installed after the cartridge is sealed. Pin (30) pierceshull (26), shot (22), and insert (24) to contact the brass exterior oflaser module (32). Pin (38) pierces hull (26) and slides between battery(36) and wad (40) making electrical contact with the bottom of battery(36).

FIGS. 8 and 9—Alternative Embodiments

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the present invention in a metallic shotcartridge for handgun or rifle use. The laser module (32), spring (34),battery (36) and pins (38) are electrically insulated from the shot (22)and brass jacket of the bullet. This is accomplished by coating saidmodule (32), spring (34) and battery (36) with an insulating plasticsuch as high density polyethylene similar to the insert in the firstembodiment above. The pins (30) and (38) would be replaced withinsulated metallic tape. The thin tape would allow it to fold down theoutside of the bullet. The insulation is removed from the face of thetape on the outside of the bullets jacket. The exposed face of the tapewould make electrical contact with the chamber of the firearm andcomplete the circuit. When the circuit is complete the laser module isactivated and projects a beam of visible light through lens (28) andcoaxially through the bore of the firearm. The insulation and adhesiveunder the tape insulates it from the electrically conducting metallicjacket of the bullet. Should the cartridge not be fired it can beremoved from the chamber, saving the battery for a later use.

FIG. 9 repeats the description from FIG. 8, but embodied in a solid corebullet.

Operation—FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7

FIG. 5 shows a laser aimed small arm ammunition embodied in a shotguncartridge. In operation said cartridge is placed in the magazine of afirearm. Since tolerances are significant pins (30) and (38) do notcontact the electrical conducting metal of magazine (50) concurrently.FIG. 7 has an enlarged drawing showing lack of contact with magazinewalls. It is possible for one pin or the other to touch, but this wouldnot create a circuit and the laser would not activate.

When a cartridge is placed in the chamber of a shotgun (FIG. 4) thetighter tolerances of the metallic chamber make electrical conductingcontact with pins (30) and (38). FIG. 6 has an enlarged drawing showingcontact with chamber walls. This establishes a circuit from the battery(36), through spring (34) and into the circuitry of the laser module(32), which is grounded in the case of module (32). Negative pin (30)connects the case of module (32) to the electrically conducting chamberwall (46). The current then flows around chamber wall (46) to positivepin (38) and back to battery (36). When the circuit is complete thelaser is operational and sends a focused beam of light through the coreof insert (24), and through a centrally located hole in overshot card(20). The light then travels coaxially through the barrel of the shotgunto illuminate the exact spot the shot will impact, within the range ofthe ammunition, should the gun be fired.

When the trigger is pulled firing pin (48) is released to contact primer(44) of the cartridge. Crushing the primer (44) will cause a primarydetonation that ignites powder (42). The rapidly expanding gasses ofpowder (42) will impinge on wads (40) and force the entire payloadincluding wads (40), pins (30) and (38), battery (36), laser module(32), insert (24), shot (22), and overshot card (20), down the barreltowards the target.

Pins (30) and (38) are either bent out of the way in the process offiring to remain in hull (26), broken at the breakaway notches to godownrange, or pulled entire through hull (26) to be sent downrange withthe payload.

As the ignition and propulsion are almost instantaneous the laserillumination becomes irrelevant once the trigger is pulled.

If said cartridge is not fired it can be removed from the chamber andstored until needed. The laser will deactivate when removed from thechamber and the electrical circuit is broken. The cartridge can remainin the magazine with the laser off until chambered when ready to fire.It can remain in the magazine for the life of the battery, approximatelyten years. Should the battery lose its charge the cartridge willcontinue to be useful as a normal cartridge for another thirty plusyears.

Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope

Thus the utility of a self contained laser aimed cartridge can bereadily recognized. It is lightweight, reliable, inexpensive tomanufacture and purchase, and easy to use. It requires no modificationto the firearm. With little training it provides a significant assist towhat is a very stressful situation, protection of ones own life or thelife of another from an aggressor. Fine motor skills are deficit at sucha time and having a brightly illuminated dot appear on the aggressornegates the need for optical or iron sights.

While the above descriptions contain much specificity, these should notbe construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather asan exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many othervariations are possible.

This embodiment is possible because technology has improved to the pointthat off the shelf laser modules and batteries are now small enough tobe part of the payload of a standard shotgun cartridge. There arecurrently metallic handgun cartridges known to this inventor that aresimilar in many ways to a shotgun cartridge. They utilize a plasticjacket filled with loose shot in the place of a bullet. These cartridgesare designed to be used primarily in handguns, but fire a shot chargerather than a solid bullet. This would simply be a different use withlittle modification to the invention. Said cartridge is designed forshort range anti-personnel or animal control use so long range accuracycould be sacrificed. This would lessen the demands of extremeconcentricity about a longitudinal axis and allow for looser tolerancesin the placement of the battery and laser module.

There is within prior art a bullet that utilizes a metallic jacket thatis filled with round metallic shot and liquid. (Canon, U.S. Pat. No.3,972,286, Aug. 3, 1976). In place of pins (30) and (38) of the currentembodiment, metallic tape insulated from the bullets core and metallicjacket would be used. The tape contacts the chamber walls and completesthe circuit of a laser module and battery placed within the pellets insaid bullet. (FIG. 8). An insert of a different shape would be used toinsulate the battery and laser from the core pellets.

There is within prior art a metallic cartridge using a cold moldedpowdered metal core. (Joys, Anshutz, Ramsey, US 20100083861) Withsuitable modification of materials and construction methods thisinvention could work with such a bullet. (See FIG. 9).

Another embodiment of this invention might use a micro-switch tocomplete the circuit when pressed by the close tolerances of the chamberwalls.

Laser aimed small arms ammunition concepts could also be transferreddirectly larger caliber weapons such as tank or howitzers. A lasersimilar to the current embodiment could also be inserted in rocketpropelled grenades or light anti-tank weapons.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Electromagnetic radiation emitter aimeddevice comprising: (a) a live cartridge capable of launching one or moreprojectiles at a target when fired from a firearm; (b) anelectromagnetic radiation generating module and power supply in anelectronic circuit within said device capable of projecting a beam ofelectromagnetic radiation towards a target to aid in aiming the device,wherein said electronic circuit further comprises electricity-conductingcontacts that penetrate said live cartridge and touch metallic chamberwalls in a bore of said firearm to create a closed electronic circuitthat initiates said beam of electromagnetic radiation; and (e) anon-electrically conducting insert to insulate the electromagneticradiation generating module, power supply, and circuitry from metallicportions of the cartridge.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein saidcartridge is a shotgun cartridge and said firearm is a shotgun.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein said cartridge is a metallic cartridge havinga metallic jacket wherein (a) (c) said electronic circuit is integralwith the projectiles, the electromagnetic radiation generating module,and the power supply yet insulated from said metallic jacket of themetallic cartridge and wherein said electronic circuit penetrates thejacket of said cartridge to make contact with the chamber walls of saidfirearm.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic radiationgenerating module is a laser.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein saidlaser emitted from said electromagnetic radiation generating moduletravels coaxially through the bore of the firearm and is used to aimsaid firearm.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein said electromagneticradiation generating module produces visible light.
 7. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said electromagnetic radiation generating moduleproduces infrared light.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein said powersupply is a battery.